Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is close to deciding whether or not to sign Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings on a short-term loan deal.

Houllier has been impressed with the Jamaica international while he has been training with Villa. Cummings can link up with Villa until the Major League Soccer season begins in March should Houllier decide to offer him a deal.

Houllier said: "I see Omar getting better and better with every training session. I will make a decision about him soon. It will be a loan deal and we would need a work permit."